Columbia City, IN asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Indiana

Q: Next fall our festival wants to do a Yellowstone national Park theme and use yogi bear crew as mascs. Can we

We would like to do memes on our Facebook page through the year encouraging events. And have props during festival.

We do a special edition shirt each year of 100 if possible would also like to include yogi with ours& Yellowstone parks in the print

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Using Yogi Bear and his crew as mascots for your festival, especially in conjunction with Yellowstone National Park, requires careful consideration of intellectual property rights. Yogi Bear is a copyrighted character owned by Hanna-Barbera, now part of Warner Bros. Entertainment. Therefore, using Yogi Bear's image or likeness for your festival, including in memes or on special edition shirts, would typically require permission or a licensing agreement from Warner Bros.

Without obtaining the appropriate rights, using these characters could lead to legal issues, including copyright infringement claims. It's important to respect the legal protections that exist for creative works and characters.

For your Yellowstone National Park theme, consider creating original characters or using public domain imagery. If you are set on using Yogi Bear, it's best to contact Warner Bros. directly to inquire about licensing opportunities. This would ensure that your festival's use of the characters is authorized and avoids potential legal complications.

Given the legal complexities involved, consulting with an attorney experienced in intellectual property law would provide you with tailored advice and guidance for your specific situation.

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